Freihofer's Jazz Festival - It's a happening!

A fan chills on the SPAC lawn during a previous Freihofer's Jazz Festival at SPAC.
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This summer, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center plays host to one of its most popular weekend events, the 35th annual Freihofer's Jazz Festival. Now a longstanding part of the Saratoga summer experience, this two-day music extravaganza draws jazz enthusiasts from near and far for an event that transcends being a mere concert and rises to the level of a "happening."

Saturday and Sunday, June 30 and July 1, Freihofer's can be counted on to provide a lot for everyone. This year will be no exception, as an eclectic stylistic mix will paint a broad musical portrait that captures jazz's past, present and future.

Fans of piano-based jazz will find Sunday to be an absolute smorgasbord of sound. Closing the event on Sunday will be Freihofer's veteran, vocalist/ pianist Diana Krall. One of a handful of artists in recent years to cross-over and enjoy a high degree of commercial success that extends beyond jazz, Krall's credentials include an unprecedented nine No. 1 Billboard Jazz chart debuts, and a pair of Grammy awards for Best Jazz Vocal (1999) for "When I Look In Your Eyes," and Best Jazz Vocal Album (2002) for "Live in Paris."

Supported by Anthony Wilson (guitar), Robert Hurst (bass) and Karriem Riggins (drums), Krall's supple swing and sultry vocals will make for a toe-tapping finish.

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Also tinkling the ivories on Sunday will be Hiromi, as she leads her Trio Project; Rachel Z, teaming up with Omar Hakim in the Trio of Oz; and Arturo O'Farrill, who will be at the helm of his mighty Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra. Russell Ferrante will also be heard on piano as part of the Yellowjackets.

Saturday's headliner is another Freihofer alumnus, trumpeter Chris Botti. Gaining his initial acclaim as part of Sting's touring band, Botti's success has also transcended the genre.

Adept at a range of styles, Botti's recently released CD, "Impressions," spotlights this as he performs with guests that run the gamut from Andrea Bocelli and Herbie Hancock to guitarists Vince Gill and Mark Knopfler.

Driven by a work ethic that typically puts him on the road 300 days a year, Botti is a consummate showman, something those who recall his 2005 Freihofer's performance can attest to.

Also scheduled to be showcased on the amphitheatre stage on Saturday will be the Mingus Big Band, Mario Abney & The Abney Effect, pianist Michel Camilo's "Mano a ||Mano," and the eminently funky and ever soulful saxophonist Maceo Parker.

A pair of bass players, Christian McBride and Esperanza Spalding round out the big stage's opening day roster with the respective groups "Inside Straight" and "Radio Music Society."

Billed as the "Encore Series at the Gazebo," this year's performers on the small stage are all veterans of recent festivals. According to Festival producer Danny Melnick, "This is the first time in the history of the festival where we've brought back artists that have previously played there. In that regard, the encore series is really a gift to the festival's longtime fans who have asked us to 'bring back' these artists. This is our way of thanking fans for their continued support."

Also, keeping with recent tradition, one act each day will perform on both amphitheater and gazebo stages -- Abney on Saturday and Trio of Oz on Sunday.

Renowned for its music, the Freihofer's Jazz Festival is a family friendly event, where fun, friends and food round out the highly regarded ambience and experience.

Special ground rules will be in effect for the festival. Alcohol will be permitted, although glass containers are not. Also welcome are chairs, lawn umbrellas, blankets and tents (which may be set up in certain areas).

The back lawn will feature a craft tent, which will showcase a variety of artisans from around the Northeast. There will also be a children's craft tent, an assortment of food vendors, free parking, and CD signings by some of the artists.

General admission tickets begin at $55; children younger than 12 will be admitted free. Limited amphitheater seating is still available for both days.

For more information about the Freihofer's Jazz Festival, go to www.spac.org or call|the SPAC Box Office at|(518) 587-3330.